What Reasonable Therapists Need to Do to Protect The Public

(and Protect Themselves from Legal Liability) when they have a Potentially Violent Patient

Make an assessment of the patient’s potential for violence. The four important dimensions are: type of harm, seriousness of harm, imminence of harm, likelihood of harm.

Determine how real the threat is. This is usually based on: the patient’s past history of violence, the patient’s ability to control his impulses, and use of alcohol and drugs.

Take some appropriate action.

What is appropriate action obviously varies under the circumstances. It can include:

Changing the patient’s treatment program.

Requesting that the patient agree to be hospitalized (voluntary commitment).

Trying to get the authorities to involuntarily commit the patient.

Warn the potential victim, or warn others who can warn the victim.

Advise the police with jurisdiction where the victim is or where the patient may be.

Consult with an Experienced Malpractice Attorney

If you believe you or a family member has been seriously injured from medical malpractice, medical error, or neglect by a doctor, hospital, nurse, clinic, nursing home or other health care provider, you may want to click here to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney for a free evaluation of your case. You can also email us at info@patrickmalonelaw.com or call us at 202-742-1500 or 888-625-6635 toll-free. We will respond within 24 hours. There is no charge for our initial consultation.

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